The new director of Festival Place is gearing up for his first Christmas in charge of the centre.

Centre director Neil Churchill is adding the final touches to Festival Place in the run-up to Basingstoke’s spectacular Christmas shopping launch this Friday (November 16).

Neil, who is marking his first Christmas in charge at Festival Place, is looking forward to the launch event, which includes a woodland-themed parade and switch-on finale.

He is also excited to be heading the centre’s team as it brings a variety of fun-filled Christmas events to Festival Place throughout the rest of November and December.

Neil said: “The preparations are almost complete – decorations are going up, children are learning their moves for the parade and there’s real excitement around Christmas at Festival Place this year.

“It’s my first Christmas here and we wanted to do something that pulls out all the stops to create a town centre destination that captures the magic of Christmas and celebrates the best of Basingstoke.

“We’re all really looking forward to welcoming customers throughout the season for a really magical Christmas.”

This Friday’s event begins at 6pm with a parade and dance display featuring local schoolchildren alongside an array of magical woodland characters, including Squirrel Nancy Nutkins, Deer Darlington, Anka The Snow Hare, and more. Snow White, from the Anvil’s Christmas panto, will also be joining in the fun. The switch-on finale will take place at 6.30pm.

Visitors to the launch event will each be issued with a band that illuminates. Ten lucky people will have their band change colour and will win a £100 Festival Place shopping voucher.

For the first Christmas shopping season, visitors will enjoy the benefits of Festival Place’s newly-refurbished car park with improvements including wider spaces, lights to alert drivers to free spaces, and more payment machines.

The investment programme has also included works to modernise St John’s Square and the installation of new entrances.

Neil, who grew up in Basingstoke and was a student at Basingstoke College of Technology, added: “What I also love about this year’s Christmas season at Festival Place is that it involves the entire community, including local schools, charities and businesses.

“I am passionate about the Basingstoke community, so I’m proud that this year’s line-up of events celebrates all that is great about the town.”

The full line-up of events and activities:

November 16 – Christmas Launch (6pm)

Join woodland friends, Nancy Nutkins, Deer Darlington, Anka the Snow Hare and Snow White in the magical parade through the forest to help wake up Snowy the Wishmas Owl and kickstart the season. The parade will end in Porchester Square and culminate in a grand finale of dance, lighting up a giant animatronic installation.

November 16 to December 24 – Snowball throwball

Visitors will be invited to test their aim at Snowball Throwball.

November 16 to December 24 – Gift Guide Live

Stuck for gift ideas? Gift Guide Live is here to help with your gifting needs. Hosted by everyone’s favourite Fairy Gift Mother on November 17 and 18, get inspiration and treat your loved ones to what they really want this Christmas.

November 24 and 25 – Cracker Station

Get crafty and join the elves at the Christmas Cracker Making Station. Sponsored by Basingstoke Together.

December 1 and 2 – The Toy Lab

Try out the latest toys, gadgets and Christmas must-haves for little (and big) kids.

December 8 to 22: Stealthy Elfy

Do you have what it takes to be a Stealthy Elfy? Get the presents under the tree without being caught to climb the leaderboard in this interactive laser game.

Various dates between November 16 and December 16: Flower Therapy

Head over to the Hampshire Flower Studio for mindfulness wreath making. Learn a new skill and natter away in this adult only space – with no outside distractions. Tea and cake provided. Make sure to book your slot at the Customer Lounge.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December (Led by Basingstoke BID on December 20): The Happy Wrappy Place

Get all wrapped up with Festive Services in aid of St Michael’s Hospice.

November 15 to December 24 – Santa’s Grotto

Come and visit the festive grotto and meet Father Christmas. It will be open throughout November and December.

For further updates on Christmas at Festival Place visit www.festivalplace.co.uk/Christmas.